‘Celestial Footy’, a book on the history of Chinese heritage Australian Rules football will be launched in Ballarat at the Victoria Bowling Club on Friday December 1st, 2023.
In "Celestial Footy, the story of Chinese Heritage Aussie Rules", author Patrick Skene chronicles the participation and passion of Chinese heritage immigrants and their descendants in Australia's beloved national game – Australian Rules Football.
The event will include a presentation on the book, stories from panel members, delicious Cantonese food and a performance from Chinese classical performer Gu Zheng.
Attendees will hear from:
- Former Golden Point Rice Eaters Bill Moy and Steven Tung
- Mark Lepp, the great grandson of James Lepp the first Chinese-Australian umpire from Ballarat from the 1880s and grandson of Clarence Lepp, the first Chinese Australian captain of Golden Point
- Michael Walsh to talk about Billy Butterfly, iconic Golden Point Rice Eaters supporter
- North Ballarat's Digger Roberts on the legend of Jack Wunhym
- Sarah Loh - the first Asian CEO within the AFL football system
- Brian Foo - on his father Harold Foo who played for North Ballarat
Published by Hardie Grant Media, in partnership with the AFL, the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations and Cultural Pulse, Celestial Footy is more than a football book and it tells the powerful story of the Chinese-Australian men and women who overcame obstacles and adversity to play the game they loved.
Event Details:
Event: Celestial Footy Book Launch
Date: Friday December 1st, 2023
Venue: Victoria Bowling Club, 231 Victoria Street, Ballarat East
Time: 6pm - 8pm
Cost: Free
Books available for sale on the night.
